Kyle Galdeira  -  K-Zone
SID/Web Editor

kyleg@hawaiiwinterbaseball.com


Joba Getting Job Done
Posted on Tue Aug 21, 2007 at 02:00pm HAST

Very rarely does a player garner such attention in New York as Yankee stars Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Roger Clemens.

 

That is the case, however, as rookie reliever Joba Chamberlain continues to impress in pinstripes. Less than a year ago, he manned the mound as a West Oahu CaneFire; now he does the same in Yankee Stadium.

 

It seems like every time I tune into SportsCenter, some anchor or analyst is touting Joba's blistering fastball, or baffling slider--both of which have perplexed nearly every major league hitter he's come across. How important is this guy to the Yankees organization? The team has imposed restrictions on the young hurler which include not pitching in back-to-back games or entering a game in the middle of the inning to limit both physical and mental strain.

 

While the 21-year-old isn't expected to join the Yankees' starting rotation until next year, it's clear that Joba "The Hut"--as he was dubbed in college at Nebraska--has arrived. Clemens has taken the youngster under his wing, sharing nuggets of priceless advice with Joba including tips on mechanics and conditioning. The pair was already in contact during the HWB season as The Rocket watched his son Koby play for the Honu, and Clemens chose to continue mentoring the young gun. The advice seems to be paying dividends as the 21-year-old has yet to allow a run in seven innings. 

           

As the regular season winds down and playoff races heat up, it will be interesting to see how Joba factors into New York's postseason push. The guy has worked so hard to get to where he is, you can't help but cheer for him...even if you are a Red Sox fan!


Posted under - Players | 12 comments


Comments

  1. Lance said on 08/26/2007:
    Joba has been amazing- the Yanks swnt three great pitchers to HI in Joba, Ian, and Jeff. I think Ian may get called up soon, he'd be a heck of a lot better than Mussina. They also have a good pitcher, Alan Horne, dominating AA.

  2. Lance said on 08/27/2007:
    Nyjer Morgan is back in action after a long injury and back he Indy Indians (Pirates AAA). Look for him on sportscenter in 2008. The Sept. callups should be interesting in terms of HWB 2006 alumn.

  3. Al said on 08/27/2007:
    I heard Sebastian Boucher got traded.

  4. Kyle said on 08/27/2007:
    You're right, Lance, I think Mussina is on his last leg and the Yankees' patience is growing thin as he continues to disapoint. We'll see how many guys get elevated when the rosters are expanded. You're correct Al, Boucher was traded from Seattle to Baltimore earlier this month. He's now at Triple-A Norfolk, and we'll keep an eye on his progress.

  5. Al said on 08/29/2007:
    Hey, what's going on with Dexter Fowler? I enjoyed watching him play last year.

  6. Lance said on 08/29/2007:
    I know Fowler got injured and is out,don't know what the injury was. Talked to Brian Anderson from The BB's, he' off to the Arizona Fall League this year. He has 28 AA saves to date.

  7. Lance said on 08/30/2007:
    Last home game for the Giants AA team tonight. Hinshaw, Anderson, Minicozzi (Beach Boys), have been on the team this year. I'll catch one last Twins AA game here in CT against the Sea Dogs (Red Sox) with Corsaletti and Otness (Canfires).

  8. Al said on 08/31/2007:
    Joba is suspended 2 games for throwing over Youklis' head? Do you think that was intentional?

  9. Kyle said on 09/03/2007:
    From what I saw, I don't think Joba was throwing at Youklis, but you never know exactly what was running through his head. I think if anything, a one-game suspension would have been a suitable punishment.

  10. Lance said on 09/03/2007:
    Three guys from the HWB will be battling tomm. in a one gaqme playoff in the Eastern League (AA) due to a tie, and Nyjer Morgan has a three game hitting streak for the Pittsburgh Pirates after coming off a long injury. He probably would have been up with the big club a while back if not for the injury. Lets wish him the best!!!

  11. Kyle said on 09/04/2007:
    Thanks Lance, I posted a re-cap on Nyjer's success thus far in the news article section. I've heard that Bixler and Jeff Clement might be brought up soon, and that would mean eight players from the 2006 HWB season--quite an impressive mark.

  12. Lance said on 09/05/2007:
    You were right about Jeff Clement - pinch hit against the Yanks last night (K).